Class B airspace requirements for the pilot and aircraft.

Clearance first

The AIM (3-2-3) says: "Regardless of weather conditions, an ATC clearance is required prior to operating within Class B airspace." It also tells pilots not to ask for a clearance "unless the requirements of 14 CFR sections 91.131, 91.215, and 91.225 are met."

Pilot certificate

No person may take off or land a civil aircraft at an airport within Class B airspace, or operate a civil aircraft within Class B airspace, unless: the pilot in command holds at least a private pilot certificate; or holds a recreational pilot certificate and has met 14 CFR 61.101; or holds a sport pilot certificate and has met 14 CFR 61.325; or the aircraft is operated by a student pilot who seeks a private pilot certificate and has met 61.95, or who seeks a recreational or sport pilot certificate and has met 61.94. The AIM also lists twelve primary airports where the pilot in command must hold at least a private pilot certificate to take off or land, including Atlanta Hartsfield, Boston Logan, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York Kennedy, New York La Guardia, Reagan Washington National and San Francisco.

Equipment

Unless otherwise authorized by ATC: for IFR operations, an operable VOR or TACAN receiver or an operable and suitable RNAV system; for all operations, a two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC; and an operable radar beacon transponder with automatic altitude reporting capability and operable ADS-B Out equipment. Large turbine-engine airplanes must operate at or above the designated floors within the lateral limits when going to or from a primary airport.

Mode C veil

Within 30 nautical miles of an airport listed in Appendix D, section 1 of part 91, from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL, the AIM says aircraft must have an operable transponder with automatic altitude reporting and ADS-B Out unless ATC authorizes otherwise, with a narrow exception for aircraft not originally certificated with an engine-driven electrical system.

Worked example

A private pilot with a two-way radio, transponder with altitude reporting and ADS-B Out has every item the list names. The same pilot with a failed transponder does not; the AIM says a deviation from the altitude-reporting requirement can be authorized by ATC on notification, while a deviation from the transponder requirement must be requested at least one hour before the operation.

Weather minimums for the same airspace are on the Class B VFR weather minimums page.

FAQ

Do I need an ATC clearance to enter Class B?

Yes. The AIM says a clearance is required before operating in Class B regardless of weather conditions.

Can a student pilot fly in Class B?

Yes, if the student meets 61.95 when seeking a private certificate, or 61.94 when seeking a recreational or sport certificate.

What equipment does Class B require?

Per the AIM: a two-way radio, a transponder with automatic altitude reporting and ADS-B Out, unless ATC authorizes otherwise.

What is the Mode C veil?

Airspace within 30 nautical miles of the primary Class B airports listed in Appendix D of part 91, from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL.

How early must I ask for a transponder deviation?

The AIM says at least one hour before the proposed operation.

Sources

Retrieved 2026-11-02. Regulation text read through the eCFR API (current as of 2026-10-29); AIM text read from the FAA publication URL below. Rules change; check the current text.

• AIM chapter 3, section 2, Controlled airspace (3-2-3): Class B operating rules and pilot and equipment requirements.
• 14 CFR 91.155, Basic VFR weather minimums: weather minimums referred to alongside the entry rules.